Nursing Home Care

In Illinois, nursing homes, sometimes known as long-term care facilities, skilled care facilities, or intermediate care facilities are licensed, regulated, and inspected by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Illinois has approximately 1,200 long-term care facilities serving more than 100,000 residents, from the young to older adults. IDPH also assists the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) with certifying these facilities for participation in federal payment reimbursement programs such as Medicare.

Making the decision to move into a nursing home can be difficult for individuals and families. The following resources provide insight into determining the right time and the right place:

• IDPH – How to Select a Nursing Home
• National Institute on Aging – How to Choose a Nursing Home or Other Long-Term Care Facility
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home
• Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Choosing a Long-Term Care Facility

Care in a nursing home can be paid for through public and private programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, life insurance, and personal funds.

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• A combination of sources